Connecting an iPhone to a Xiaomi Mi TV Stick opens up new possibilities for viewing content on the big screen, from streaming videos from YouTube or Netflix to showing photos and presentations. However, many users face difficulties in the first setup — the console does not see the phone, there are image delays or sound disappears. In this article, we will analyze all the current ways of connecting, including wireless protocols and adapters, and give recommendations for eliminating typical errors.
The Mi TV Stick is limited to standard Apple protocols. Unlike Apple TV, where one touch is enough to activate AirPlay, you will need additional setup or third-party devices. But don't rush to buy adapters - in 80% of cases, it is enough to set up the network correctly and choose the best connection method.
It is important to consider the version of the console firmware: in old builds (up to MIUI TV 2.0.56) may not have key functions for connecting to iOS. Before you start, check the relevance of the software in the Settings menu → About the console → System Update.
1. Connect via AirPlay (for Mi TV Stick with MIUI TV 2.1+)
Starting with MIUI TV 2.1.0, Xiaomi has added support for AirPlay, Apple's proprietary wireless broadcast protocol, which is the most convenient method, but doesn't work on all console models.
- ✅ Mi TV Stick 4K (2023 – AirPlay support out of the box"
- ✅ Mi TV Stick (2022) model MDZ-26-AB) — requires updating MIUI TV 2.1+
- ❌ Mi TV Stick (2020) model MDZ-22-AB) — AirPlay is not supported
To activate the broadcast:
- Connect the console and phone to the same Wi-Fi network (required!). 💡If you have a dual-band router, make sure both devices are connected to the same frequency (either 2.4GHz or 5GHz).
- On iPhone, open Control Point (swipe down from the top right corner on Face ID models).
- Click on the Screen Mirroring (or Screen Mirroring) icon.
- In the list of available devices, select your Mi. TV Stick (the name will appear as Mi_TV_Stick_[XXX]).
If the console is not listed:
- 🔄 Reboot both devices.
- 📶 Check that Wi-Fi is working in the mode 802.11ac (router setting).
- 🔒 Turn it off. VPN iPhone – it can block local detection.
Wi-Fi on both devices is enabled and stable | Both devices on the same network | On the console activated mode "Screen mirroring" | Power-saving modes are turned off
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2.Use of Lightning Adapter → HDMI (Wired Method)
If your Mi TV Stick model doesn't support AirPlay, the most reliable way is to wire-wire your adapter.
- 🔌 Original Lightning adapter → HDMI Apple (or a certified equivalent, for example, from Belkin).
- 🔋 Power supply for the adapter (USB-prefix-port).
- 📶 HDMI-cable (usually complete with a prefix).
Step-by-step:
- Connect the adapter to the iPhone.
- Connect the adapter to the Mi TV Stick through HDMI-cable (use the port) HDMI IN prefixed).
- Connect the power to the adapter (without power, the image may not be transmitted!).
- On the TV, select the signal source - the port to which the console is connected.
Advantages of the method:
- ⚡ Minimal latency (ideal for games or videos).
- 🎵 Transmission of sound without additional settings.
- 🔒 It works on all iPhone models (starting with iPhone 5).
💡
Wired connection via Lightning adapter→HDMI — The only method that guarantees stable broadcast without breaks, but requires the purchase of accessories (the price of the original adapter). ~5 000₽).
Typical problems and solutions:
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| No image. | Lack of power to the adapter | Connect the adapter to the charger (at least 5V/1A) |
| The sound is coming through the phone. | Not selected HDMI as an audio output | In iPhone settings, go to Settings → Main → TV and home devices → Sound output and select adapter |
| Screen resolution is incorrect | Automatic adjustment did not work. | Manually set the resolution in the settings of the console (Settings → Display and sound → Screen resolution) |
3. Wireless streaming via Miracast (an alternative to AirPlay)
Miracast is a universal screen mirroring protocol supported by most modern devices, and although the iPhone is not officially compatible with Miracast, it is possible to circumvent this restriction with third-party applications.
The setup will require:
- 📱 ApowerMirror or Screen Mirroring (available in the App Store).
- 🌐 Connecting a console and phone to a single Wi-Fi network.
- ⚙️ Activation of Miracast mode on Mi TV Stick (Settings) → Connection and sharing → Screen mirroring).
Instructions:
- Install the app on your iPhone and launch it.
- In the settings of the consoles, turn on Miracast.
- In the app, select your Mi TV Stick from the list of available devices.
- Confirm the connection on both devices.
Limitations of the method:
- ⚠️ Image delay to 1-2 Seconds (not suitable for dynamic games).
- ⚠️ Possible artifacts when broadcasting video in 4K.
- ⚠️ Some apps (such as Netflix) block the broadcast because of the DRM.
Why isn’t Netflix streaming through Miracast?
4. DLNA connection (for media files)
If you only want to stream photos, videos, or music (without mirroring the screen), DLNA will work. It works over a local network and is supported by most media players.
To set up:
- Install a media server application on your iPhone, such as VLC for Mobile (free). Infuse (paid version with advanced codecs).
Media player
Applications → Media player
DLNA/UPnP
iPhone
Mi TV Stick
Advantages of DLNA:
- 🎬 Support for most formats (including: MKV, FLAC).
- 🔄 No delay in reproduction.
- 📂 Ability to broadcast entire folders with files.
Disadvantages:
- ❌ Does not work for screen mirroring or broadcasting from apps (YouTube, TikTok).
- ❌ Requires pre-uploading of files to the phone.
AirPlay|HDMI-adapter|Miracast|DLNA|Another way.
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5. Solving Connection Problems
If none of the methods work, check the following points:
⚠️ Attention: On Mi TV Stick with older firmware MIUI TV 2.0.56 may not support modern protocols. Update the software via Settings → About the prefix → Update the system or manually download the firmware from the official Xiaomi website.
Common mistakes and ways to eliminate them:
| Mistake. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The console is not visible in the list of devices | Different Wi-Fi subnets (e.g. 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz) | Connect both devices to the same frequency or use a guest network |
| Sound's there, no image. | Incompatible screen resolution | In the settings of the consoles set 1920×1080@60Hz |
| Delay in broadcasting | Weak Wi-Fi signal or network congestion | Connect the router via cable to the console or use the Mesh system |
| The app is not broadcast (Netflix, Disney+) | DRM Limitations | Use built-in applications on the console or HDMI-adapter |
If the problem persists:
- 🔄 Reset the network settings on the console (Settings) → Network → Resetting network settings).
- 📱 Reinstall mirroring apps on iPhone.
- 🔧 Check your firewall settings on your router (open ports 7000, 5555 for Miracast).
6. Comparison of Connection Methods: Which to Choose?
Each method has its pros and cons, and the choice depends on your tasks:
| Method | Delay. | Quality. | Difficulty setting up | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AirPlay | Low (0.5-1 s) | Up to 4K HDR | ★☆☆ | Videos, music, photos |
| HDMI-adapter | Minimum | Up to 4K@60Hz | ★★☆ | Games, presentations, videos |
| Miracast | Medium (1-2s) | Up to 1080p. | ★★☆ | Video viewing, web surfing |
| DLNA | No. | Depends on the file. | ★☆☆ | Local media files |
Critical information: On Mi TV Stick (2020, MDZ-22-AB) You cannot use AirPlay or Miracast to broadcast protected content (e.g. Apple) TV+ The only working option is a wired connection via HDMI-supportive adapter HDCP 2.2.